Golf: Huge boost expected as Women’s Open arrives in region.

Course set to host elite of women’s players from all over world

One of the most prestigious female golf tournaments in the world is set to bring some of the top players to Fife from today.

The Women’s British Open, celebrating its 41st year, will make its Kingsbarns debut.

It is expected to bring in a large number of international and local visitors across the next four days and help out tourism in Fife, which already supports around 11,000 jobs and is estimated to be worth £349 million.

The lineup will see some of the world’s top ranked players from more than 30 nations competing.

Reigning champion Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand will be defending her title.

Meanwhile, British hopefuls Charley Hull and Catriona Matthew will be competing, along with Carly Booth from Perthshire.

The event is one of two major golf championships played outside the United States and hosts the most international field of the year.

Fife Golf Partnership chairman Stephen Owen said: “Fife has been host to some of the most memorable major championships over the years and is one of the most renowned and well respected golf destinations in the world. Kingsbarns now joins the Old Course at St Andrews as host to this prestigious tournament and I’m excited for the players and visitors to experience another of Fife’s wonderful golf courses.”

Fife Tourism Partnership’s tourism manager, Ann Camus, said she was thrilled to be welcoming visitors from all over the world. “Tourism across the kingdom is booming and provides local businesses with a real opportunity to capitalise on increased custom, which continues to boost Fife’s economy and profile,” she added.

The summer also marks the launch of a series of five videos from golf professional and trick shot performer Kevin Carpenter of the KC Golf Show at courses across Fife.

Carpenter takes to his unicycle to travel and perform his shots on some of the most iconic holes at Kingsbarns, the Castle Course in St Andrews, Crail, Burntisland and Aberdour.

The two-minute films have been launched on social media.

The eyes of the golfing world will focus on Fife from today as the RICOH Women’s British Open tees off at Kingsbarns. It is a welcome reminder that the region still boasts some of the best golf in the world.

The exposure such a major tournament brings is expected to see a flood of players, tourists and money into the region.

Hopefully the play will be worthy of the setting.

Picture: Getty Images. Catriona Matthew of Scotland looks on during a practice round before the Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns Golf Links.